With resource revenues still struggling and the hardship of COVID 19, Alberta Finance Minister Travis Toews is predicting an $18.2 billion deficit in the coming year.
The Alberta Government delivered its budget on Thursday, February 25. MLA for Drumheller-Stettler Nate Horner says it is a budget for the times we are in, with investment in health care during COVID -19 with an eye on economic recovery.
“With a historic investment in health care, Alberta’s government is responding to the most pressing issues our province faces – responding to COVID-19 and keeping Albertans safe. At the same time, Budget 2021 prepares Alberta for economic recovery by creating jobs right now, while also taking a careful approach to spending. This budget protects both lives and livelihoods and I’m proud to support it,” said Horner.
In health care, they have created a $1.3 billion contingency for COVID-19, and $97 million to clear surgical backlogs. There is also money for new facilities and continuing care.
The government has also set aside $20.7 million with hopes to create 90,000 new jobs and $1,5 billion for key economic sectors.
To maintain responsible spending, they are continuing to look for labour efficiencies and aim to keep debt to GDP below 30 per cent, while bringing spending in line with other provinces.
In 2021-22, $1.226 billion will be allocated to municipalities under the Municipal Sustainability initiative, which frontloads infrastructure funding to sustain economic recovery and stimulus spending in the near term while helping municipalities transition to a lower overall funding level. In addition, $255 million in funding is being provided this year under the federal Gas Tax Fund.
“The impact of COVID-19 on the finances of municipal governments has been substantial. The $1.226 billion in funding that Alberta’s government is allocating to municipalities under the MSI will support the economic recovery of local governments while honouring the commitment we made to taxpayers to bring spending in line with other provinces,” said Horner.

Drumheller now has a residential unit for temporary stays for those fleeing domestic violence.
On Monday, March 1, the Big County Anti-Violence Association (BCAVA) announced the grand opening of Colton’s Place Temporary Domestic Violence Unit. This is a collaboration that includes the Town of Drumheller, the Drumheller Housing Administration, and the Drumheller RCMP. The local Rotary Club helped to sponsor the unit, and the Drumheller Salvation Army will oversee management.
Colton’s Place Temporary Domestic Violence Unit provides safe short-term housing for individuals and their children who are in crisis or transition. It supports individuals in their search for a better future, helping them overcome trauma, focus on healing, develop economic stability, and secure safe, affordable housing.
Colton’s Place is named in memory of Drumheller resident Colton McIntosh whose young life ended tragically as a result of family violence.
“This has been a dream for us for many years, and is especially needed in this time of COVID where shelter capacity has decreased, while the cases of family violence have increased,” said BCAVA Kandace Wylie-Toews.
The Colton’s Place Emergency Unit will also work at connecting individuals and their children to community resources for further support to help them move forward towards self-reliance, personal growth, healing, and independence.
Alberta Council of Women’s Shelter’s 2018 report indicates from 2015 to 2018, approximately 18,136 individuals were served by shelters in Alberta. The same report indicates in “2017/18 16,722 women, children and seniors were turned away due to lack of capacity.
Toews says before the shelter, they typically had to send those in need to Strathmore for shelter. This allows them to better serve the community without the logistics and resources. Currently there is one unit, but they will gauge the need and success of this project and plan going forward.
If you think someone you know is experiencing family violence, reach out by contacting, Crystal Chretien, Family Violence Intervention Coordinator with the Salvation Army at 403-823-2215. To learn more, visit www.familyviolence.alberta.ca or www.bcava.org